N.J. Teen Pleads Guilty to Dumping Body of Childhood Friend in a River

A New Jersey teen pleaded guilty to dumping the body of his childhood friend into a river after she was allegedly strangled by their other friend, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday.

Preston Taylor, 19, entered a plea Monday to seven counts in the high-profile death of friend Sarah Stern, including robbery, hindering apprehension and tampering with physical evidence. He has also agreed to testify against his co-defendant, Liam McAtasney, also 19.

Taylor entered his plea at the Monmouth County Superior Courthouse, according to prosecutors.

Taylor also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and disturbing or desecrating human remains.

In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors removed a felony murder charge against him.